Oh, the holidays! They fill my kitchen with the most wonderful smells, and my heart with so much joy. And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious, easy-to-make treats?
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for these amazing Christmas Cranberry Bars. They’re perfect for sharing, and trust me, they disappear fast! The total time is approximately 1 hour, including cooling, and the result is pure, festive delight.
Table of Contents
Amazing Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15×10 or 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat together melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, 1 tsp orange extract, and 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, beating until just blended. Don’t overmix.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and Craisins by hand. Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Don’t overbake or bars will be hard. Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool completely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 tsp orange extract and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and mix well. Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with chopped Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork. I dip my fork into the chocolate then shake it gently over the top of the bars to create little streaks. You can either slice right away and enjoy, or place the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour (what I like to do) to help them set up before cutting. Cut into triangles and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Bars
- A Starbucks copycat you can make at home!
- Perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Bars
Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins (roughly chopped)
- 2 squares white baking chocolate or almond bark (melted)
Ingredient Deep Dive: Why These Ingredients Matter
Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and keeps the bars wonderfully moist. The orange extract complements the cranberries beautifully, giving a bright, zesty touch. High-quality white chocolate is key, it melts smoothly and adds a creamy, sweet contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.
Many extension programs offer resources on baking and ingredient substitutions, such as these Cranberry Oatmeal Bars which highlight common ingredients and techniques.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15×10 or 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat together melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, 1 tsp orange extract, and 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, beating until just blended. Don’t overmix.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and Craisins by hand. Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Don’t overbake or bars will be hard. Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool completely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 tsp orange extract and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and mix well. Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with chopped Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork. I dip my fork into the chocolate then shake it gently over the top of the bars to create little streaks.
You can either slice right away and enjoy, or place the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour (what I like to do) to help them set up before cutting. Cut into triangles and enjoy!
Variations to Make Your Christmas Cranberry Bars Unique
Get creative! Try different holiday themes like peppermint bark for Christmas. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. For the crust, consider a shortbread base or even a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
For inspiration on variations, you might explore recipes like Cranberry-Orange Coconut Bars, which offer unique flavor combinations.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
- Bars are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Frosting is too thin: Add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Bars are too soft: Make sure they’re completely cooled before frosting and chilling them in the fridge helps.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Bars
For the best flavor and texture, I always recommend chilling the bars before cutting. This allows the frosting to set up beautifully, making for cleaner cuts. Use high-quality ingredients, especially the white chocolate.
If you’re looking for other festive treats, consider making Amazing Cookies With Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe for a different kind of holiday delight.
How to Store Your Christmas Cranberry Bars
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also freeze them! Wrap them individually or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Christmas Cranberry Bars: Substitutions and Adjustments
| Ingredient/Situation | Substitution/Adjustment |
|---|---|
| No Orange Extract | Use lemon or lime extract, or the zest of one orange. |
| Frozen Cranberries | Yes, but do not thaw them first. Add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. |
| Different Pan Size (Smaller) | Use an 8×8 inch pan and reduce the baking time by a few minutes. The bars will be thicker. |
| Different Pan Size (Larger) | Use a 9×13 inch pan and reduce the baking time by a few minutes. The bars will be thinner. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my bars dry/crumbly?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Be sure to check them early and often.
How can I make these bars vegan?
You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
How can I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the cranberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter.
What other extracts can I use besides orange and vanilla?
Almond, lemon, or even a hint of maple would be lovely.
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cranberry Bars
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving (this is an estimate)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C from cranberries, and some Vitamin A from butter.
(Please note that these are approximate values and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a warm cup of tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For more delightful dessert ideas perfect for gatherings, explore our collection of Desserts.
Conclusion
I hope you love these Christmas Cranberry Bars as much as I do! They’re simple, delicious, and always a hit. They’re perfect for any holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in.
Give them a try, and let me know what you think! Did you add any extra ingredients? What did you serve them with? Leave a comment below, ask any questions you have, and share your results – I can’t wait to hear all about it!
